Smart home technologies such as WiFi and Zigbee are now the most widely used, with Z-Wave and Bluetooth lagging behind in terms of popularity. However, each has its own set of advantages, furthermore a large-scale smart home will almost certainly have a combination of them.
WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave: The Showdown!
I recall my initial interest in smart houses, which was some years ago. Despite the fact that I stayed happy in operating a few (WiFi-based) Echo speakers, I began to hear phrases like ‘Zigbee’ and ‘Z-Wave’ bandied around. While I was also (of course) aware of Bluetooth, it had only ever been utilized in mobile phones or headphones, so it seemed strange that the later generation Philips Hue had Bluetooth functionality as well.
In essence, the more I learned about smart homes, the more I became perplexed by the many communication protocols (such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, WiFi, and Bluetooth) that appeared to coexist in the smart home arena. Is one of them superior than the other? Is it possible to stick to just one of these?
A brief overview on Zigbee, Z-Wave, WiFi and Bluetooth
My Philips Hue v2 Bridge’speaks’ Zigbee, not WiFi, according to the documentation. Most of us are acquainted with the terms Bluetooth and WiFi, and you may have heard the term “Zigbee” mentioned if you’ve looked into products such as the Philips Hue either the Amazon Echo Plus. But, in any case, I wanted to go over them briefly in the next section. Check out the specific parts further on for additional in-depth explanations of the concepts.
WiFi: It is the industry standard that we are all familiar with and enjoy. Wait, love – are you serious?! Although it used to be somewhat volatile, the market has been increasingly steady in recent years. By this, your internet router transmits a WiFi signal throughout your home, allowing a wide range of devices (from phones to TVs, and from Kindles to Amazon Echos!) to connect to the internet through WiFi and share files and other resources.
The benefit of this WiFi is that it is portable wireless system, so you don’t need to worry about running cable all over the house to connect your Echoor TV to the internet.
Bluetooth: Running music from a phone to headphones is a common application of Bluetooth technology, which is more generally found on portable devices like mobile phones, headphones, and laptops. Bluetooth allows small quantities of data (up to and including music) to be delivered from one Bluetooth device to another, which is why it is commonly used for this purpose.
Because it has a restriction on the amount of data that can be communicated, it is rarely used for anything other than music streaming. Although video data may apparently be broadcast via Bluetooth, in practice this does not work very well, and WiFi is more commonly employed.
Zigbee: Zigbee is a low-power, low-bandwidth wireless technology that was developed for home automation and other related applications. It includes encryption as basic functionality, as well as a mesh network,’ which allows ZigBee devices to communicate with one another and so increase the range (and dependability) of your entire ZigBee network.
Z-Wave: Unlike ZigBee, which operates on the same radio frequency as WiFi, Z-Wave runs on an entirely distinct radio frequency, which means it will not interfere with your WiFi signal in the way that ZigBee can occasionally do. It’s true that Z-Wave is utilized in a number of intelligent home gadgets (particularly sensors and the Ring Alarm system), and in many respects, it’s the ideal smart home protocol. However, it doesn’t appear to have gained traction in the same way that ZigBee or WiFi have done.
The next four parts provide a more in-depth examination of each communication protocol; however, you can skip forward to “So which of those is the best?!” to learn more about which protocol you should choose.
A detailed look at Zigbee
Zigbee is specified by the IEEE 802.15.4 model (which also contains its ‘rival’ Thread, a Google/Nest-based protocol that is a component of the Linked Home over IP initiative), which is defined by the IEEE 802.15.4 specification.
It is defined as a self-forming, individual healing mesh network,’ which implies that once a Zigbee device is linked to the internet, it immediately begins searching for other Zigbee projects and automatically begins constructing a network of similar devices to connect to them. It is possible for each Zigbee device to function as a network “hosting” node, which means that it may send Zigbee messages to other nodes in the network, as follows:
A mesh network of smart Hue bulbs is formed by correlating them to one another and to the Bridge.
As a result, Zigbee is a very robust network since even if only one of the nodes crashes, the linked structure of the nodes ensures that the network may continue to function — notwithstanding the failure of the node in question. In some cases, this may need nodes to communicate with new nodes (i.e., build new associations). In contrast, in others, there may be no need for this since the network topology (the way it is organized and put out) has already been designed to be fairly efficient.
I realize that the paragraph above has a lot of jargon… What does all of this imply in the real world? Well:
- You don’t need to input passwords for every new device, as you would with WiFi, which saves time. Zigbee devices may communicate with one another without the need for additional passwords to be input, and the entire process is secured at all stages with AES-128 keys at all times.
- By simply adding new devices to your Zigbee network, you may instantly increase the range of your network (like Zigbee light bulbs). This can thus allow outdoor devices (or devices in outbuildings) to connect to your main network, as opposed to WiFi, which can be inconsistent when used outside and hence necessitates the use of signal boosters to connect to your main network.
- There is a significant increase incompatibility across various devices. For example, you may use your Philips Hue app to configure a variety of various Zigbee-based light bulbs and light strips — even those from other businesses. Personally, I created my own Zigbee lightstrip, which I was then able to operate using the Hue app on my phone. If you compare this to WiFi-based goods, which are frequently connected to their own applications – you couldn’t, for example, manage a Kasa Smart lamp using the LIFX app!
Having said that, Zigbee is actually quite similar to WiFi in many ways. For example, it operates on the same radio frequency band as WiFi, it has a default range that is comparable to several real-world WiFi setups, and it necessitates the use of a controller device (typically a hub or router) somewhere within the network.
In fact, because it runs in the 2.4 GHz radio spectrum, it has the potential to cause interference with WiFi in specific situations. Even though I have both WiFi and Zigbee running, I have not experienced any interference, but it is a possibility.
While Zigbee is intended to be a low-power, low-cost technology, one of the most aggravating aspects of the technology is that, while Zigbee devices normally consume less power, they are frequently more expensive than a comparable WiFi product. As a result, when comparing a Zigbee smart home equipment to a WiFi smart home device, you may find yourself spending significantly more.
A closer look at Z-Wave
The emblem of Z-Wave, at the beginning of this article, I mention how close is Z-Wave to be perfect for smart homes:
- Which has a good range (typically 100 meters), it operates on the 800-900 MHz band of frequencies (so it won’t interfere with WiFi).
- It has good interconnectivity with both Z-Wave members (just like Zigbee).
- It consumes very little power.
Overall, it has a range that rivals the greatest WiFi networks, but it consumes far less power, it won’t interfere with anything, and various Z-Wave devices function well with one another. So why hasn’t Z-Wave taken over as the dominant technology?
Because Z-Wave devices require a separate hub (like Zigbee), they are immediately less appealing than WiFi projects, which will ‘simply work’ because every home already has a WiFi network, for starters.
Second, economies of range dictate that Z-Wave devices are more costly than other wireless technologies (just like Zigbee). After all, manufacturing WiFi devices is significantly less expensive than manufacturing Z-Wave or Zigbee devices since WiFi chips and elements are widely accessible. Still, Z-Wave and Zigbee have fewer products and are therefore more expensive to make per unit.
Third and finally, up unto very recently, Z-Wave was almost entirely a closed system: a single company was capable of producing Z-Wave radio chips and driving a large portion of the Z-Wave standard, making it more difficult for third parties to openly develop Z-Wave devices. This has changed dramatically.
The need that new firms become paying segments of Z-Wave (also Zigbee) is, in my opinion, a hindrance to the advancement of these standards. Would you require to spend $10,000 annually to become an approved Z-Wave Manufacturer if you’ve just produced a revolutionary modern smart home gadget that you’re really enthusiastic about? Alternatively, would you simply install a WiFi disk, saving yourself $0 each year and avoiding any headaches?
. …and then there’s (un)reliable ‘ol WiFi!
I’m taking a BT Home Hub WiFi router with my right hand. WiFi, how I love thee. WiFi is something that I and so many others have a love/hate relationship with. After all, when it works, it’s fantastic: the typical household has 11 gadgets linked to WiFi, and the quantity of internet data (bandwidth) we consume is expected to increase in the next several years as video streaming services (such as YouTube and Netflix) become increasingly popular.
However, while WiFi provides a great deal of benefits to each family, it is common during someone in a house to call out “Is the internet down?” only for everyone else to respond “No, it’s OK for me” – indicating that the problem is caused by a WiFi problem on one person’s computer. Alternatively, the Netflix stream may occasionally become unresponsive for a few seconds.
In addition, new WiFi developments in recent years have resulted in: I recall seeing device disconnections on a regular basis five or more years ago or having to adjust your WiFi channel so that it didn’t interfere with your neighbors’ WiFi ten or more years earlier.
And on the other hand, WiFi is widely available, and it is therefore no surprise that several smart gadgets – including all entry-level models – operate over WiFi.
WiFi was originally established as a standard in 1997 – the “802.11” standard, which has since evolved to incorporate many updates and upgrades such as “802.11n” and “802.11ac” – and has been in operation ever since the latter proposing 5 GHz WiFi which is way faster and potentially more adaptable over short distances.
A WiFi network must be accessible to the devices on the network for devices with small WiFi chips to communicate. This network, which is often given by your internet router but perhaps a separate network from that of a WiFi hotspot, WiFi extender, or an access point, must be accessible to the devices on the network in order for the devices to communicate.
Upon connecting to a network, the device will be prompted to enter the WiFi keys for the network (assuming the system is encrypted, which should be the case in 99.9 percent of cases! ), and a mechanism known as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) will then assign an IP address to the device in question. An internal IP address (used for interior communication – i.e., when one device connects to another) is distinct from the network’s external IP address (which is distributed by your Internet service provider and used for outside communication).
Besides that, having to key in a distinct WiFi password for each and every new device that you connect – such as smart lights, which you may have dozens of – may be cumbersome and time-consuming. Alternatively, you might use a password manager to simplify the process. Changing your internet router will need you to travel throughout your house resetting a slew of various equipment and appliances, which can take some time. In addition, you have the option of changing the router’s SSID (name/key) to match the one that was previously configured. Neither method is superior to the other in the long run. Hence neither is recommended. Bluetooth is used for a wide range of different purposes in addition to connecting headphones and mobile phones.
Bluetooth: not just for headphones and mobile phones!
My friends and I used to transmit ringtones to each other using infrared technology when we were younger, which we thought was very impressive at the time. Bluetooth became increasingly popular during the following years, allowing users to transmit data with one another in a far more convenient manner.
Bluetooth has gained in popularity as a result of this. However, while it is no longer utilized toward file sharing (uploading to a cloud-based accommodation and/or WhatsApp using WiFi is more often used for this), it is good for streaming music to wireless headphones and for utilizing it in the vehicle for calls and audio streaming (see below). Also, it’s the principal means through which information is sent between my smart watch and my computer.
How does Bluetooth, on the other hand, play a role in the framework of the intelligent home?
To illustrate, consider the latest generation of Philips Hue light bulbs, which lets you control your lights without the need to purchase a separate $70 Hue Bridge by just downloading a separate Hue Bluetooth app.
Smart speakers, like the Amazon Echo and Google/Nest Home product lines, are also capable of streaming music over Bluetooth, in addition to supporting the Amazon Echo and Google/Nest Home product lines.
In smart homes, Bluetooth is utilized extensively, however it is not used as widely outside of that setting. Bluetooth, I believe, is in direct competition with Z-Wave and Zigbee, which have both been utilized in active homes for significantly longer periods of time than Bluetooth. This is due to the insufficient data transmission (bandwidth) speeds that Bluetooth offers.
The technology’s potential for usage in smart homes is exciting, and its inclusion as a fundamental component of Connected Home over IP (more on this later) is a significant step forward in the right direction.
A comparison of Zigbee vs Z-Wave vs WiFi vs Bluetooth
Before I get into which communication protocol is ‘the best and which one is most likely to have a bright future in smart homes, I’d want to go over some of the most important qualities of each of these four communication protocols for the purpose of clarity and precision.
| Criteria | Zigbee | Z-Wave | WiFi | Bluetooth |
| Range | Good due to inherent mesh networking | Good due to inherent mesh networking | Good if repeaters or WiFi mesh used | Not great |
| Power Use (in theory) | Low | Low | High | Low |
| Bandwidth | Poor | Poor | Excellent | Poor |
| RF Band | 2.4 GHz | 908.42 MHz | 2.4 GHz/5 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Needs hub? | Yes | Yes | No (router) | No (smart phones) |
| # of smart devices | Moderate | Not many (apart from sensors) | Lots | Barely any |
| Price of smart devices | High | High | Low | Medium |
| Part of CHIP? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
The following is a straightforward, non-scientific comparison of the many smart home systems now on the market.
So which of these is ‘the best’?!
Its home hub is interoperable with a variety of networks, including Zigbee, WiFi and Z-Wave, among other technologies.
Greetings, and congrats on making it this far in your journey! And if so, what is the precise response to the question “what is the purpose of life?” I’m sorry, I meant to ask which smart home connection protocol is considered to be the “best.” I apologize for interrupting your conversation.
Despite the fact that you may assume you understand the problem, the reality is that everything is contingent on the scenario. The fact that I do not like that reaction does not rule out the possibility that it is suitable based on your wants and wishes from your intelligent house.
It’s a good idea to start with mostly WiFi-based smart gadgets if you’re just procuring started with your smart home since otherwise, you’ll have to invest in a Z-Wave/Zigbee compatible hub, which will be an additional expense. Would you rather spend $100 on a Philips Hue RGB bulb with a Zigbee bridge instead of $30 on a pretty high-quality RGB smart bulb if you wanted to experiment with smart lighting rather than $30?
Depending on how large and sophisticated your collection of smart devices gets, you may discover that having hundreds of them linked to your network becomes unsustainable as your collection of smart devices increases in both quantity and complexity. In reality, most families rely on the default router given by their internet service provider, which may struggle to maintain with dozens of linked, active WiFi smart gadgets rather than high-quality routers that can manage hundreds of devices.
A Zigbee hub (like an Amazon Echo Plus or a Philips Hue bridge) may make sense at this stage since you will be able to purchase Zigbee devices that are reasonably reliable and will ease the strain on your internet network as a result of their use. It is an excellent choice for smart lighting applications because of the large number of Zigbee smart lights that are currently available, including the market-leading Philips Hue.
However, if you’re more interested in smart sensors, you’ll discover that many of them are really Z-Wave-based, which is fantastic news (as are devices like the opener of garage door, in several cases). In the case of alarm systems, Z-Wave is utilized by the Ring alarm system for its motion and touching sensors, which makes it an excellent example.
Note the method in which this is done. Although I use the phrase “at long last,” what is it about Bluetooth that has kept me from discussing it earlier? The possible cause for this is that there are still only a few smart items available on the market that are simply Bluetooth-enabled, which is a relatively new phenomenon. Beyond being Bluetooth-compatible (with limited smart lighting capabilities), Philips Hue’s new lights are also Zigbee-compatible (with more broad smart lighting functionality) (which gives the full feature set).
Essentially, the concept behind smart lighting is that you can learn about it via Bluetooth – which means you can use your smartphone – but that once you want to get concerned about it, you should convert to Zigbee and acquire a Philips Hue bridge, which is now available. As of right now, it is not possible to construct a smart home that is solely capable of communicating with Bluetooth devices.
So, to explain my solution to your question, I’ll use the following example to illustrate my point:
- When first starting out with smart home devices, use WiFi-based smart gadgets rather than wired ones in order to save money on installation costs. With this solution, you won’t have to be concerned with Zigbee or Z-Wave hubs at all.
- Will a large number of intelligent lighting fixtures be purchased by you in the near future? Connect your devices together via a Zigbee hub, such as a Philips Hue Bridge or an Amazon Echo Plus, both of which may be purchased individually.
- It is correct that you are wanting to get a large number of smart sensors. In order to connect your devices, you will need to purchase a Z-Wave-compatible hub, such as the SmartThings hub.
Will Connected Home over IP kill off Zigbee, Z-Wave, WiFi and/or Bluetooth?!
Many well-known smart home manufacturers have “converged” to collaborate on the development of this standard in order to make a positive contribution to it.
The term “Connected Home over IP (CHIP),” which refers to a relatively recent smart home concept in which Google, Zigbee, Amazon, and a slew of other companies have collaborated to develop a new standard way for smart devices to communicate with one another, may sound familiar. However, the term is not.
Interestingly, while WiFi, Zigbee, and Bluetooth-based technologies are all included in the CHIP’s technological stack, Z-Wave is glaringly absent from the list of supported technologies. This is a statistically significant difference between the two groups.
However, rather than just stating the obvious, Z-Wave has been compelled to undertake significant structural changes in order to stay viable and competitive in the marketplace.
Z-Wave will not be entirely phased out by the introduction of a new standard (CHIP) on its own – particularly because Z-Wave devices and hubs will continue to work independently of this other endeavor – but my prediction is that Z-Wave will become less significant over time as a result of this other initiative.
In part, I believe this is because, despite the fact that Z-Wave is a functional smart home protocol, it has never quite acquired the kind of general acceptance that Zigbee has, despite the fact that it is an appropriate smart home protocol (largely due to Philips Hue). Its removal from the most significant smart home renovation project in a decade speaks volumes in and of itself.
Despite the fact that I have no clue why they picked this, I believe that CHIP will be extremely valuable for WiFi and Zigbee-based smart homes, but will be less useful for ZWave-based smart homes. Continuing to be employed as a complementary smart home technology, Bluetooth will, in my opinion, be prevalent in the next years.
